Having the right tool for the job makes all the difference. Here are some of our favorite coloring accessories for when you’re ready to shop for new supplies.
One of our favorite things about coloring is that anyone can do it. All you really need is a book or coloring page and a handful of pens or pencils. But of course, there are tons of tools to choose from out there—some totally affordable, and others that require a bit more of an investment. The right tools make all the difference—whether it’s making sure your pencils don’t chip or your pens don’t bleed and smear. We're here to save you a little heartache by sharing some of the best, top-reviewed coloring tools we recommend to help up your coloring game:
Sakura 24-Piece Koi Assorted Coloring Brush Pen Set
Ready to up your game and color like a true artist? These incredible brush pens make it easy to cover a lot of real estate with just a few swooshes of the brush tip. Plus, you can use them to add your own designs and details or fancy lettering. You don't need to worry about wearing down or misshaping the tip of your marker, either. These pens are incredibly durable and keep their tip even after long use. Pro tip: Invest in Sakura’s Koi Colorless Blender Set ($4.50) too for even more fun coloring effects. Price: $29.75 for set of 24
Staedtler 36-Piece Triplus Fineliner Pen Set
If you only have one set of coloring markers, these are the ones to have. They have skinny tips, making them ideal for detail work, but also allow you to fill in larger spaces with relative ease. This set of 36 really covers all the color bases (plus, it includes 6 neons!). The superfine tip doesn't bend or get fuzzy with use, and — our favorite feature — the pens won't dry out , even if left uncapped for days. (Finally, someone has solved the biggest pen problem!) Price: $20.10 for set of 36
Prismacolor Premier Soft Core Colored Pencils
If colored pencils are more your thing, Prismacolor Premiers are pretty much the best. They're soft, meaning they're great for blending and getting smooth, rich colors. If you’re planning to display your completed pages, these pencils also won’t fade or discolor when exposed to light. Plus, the cores are also resistant to breaking (so you can swear just a little less the next time you drop a pencil). Price: $36.87 for set of 72
12-Piece Sakura Stardust Galaxy Gel Ink Bold Sparkling Pens
Don't be turned off by the name. These "sparkling" gel pens are not the glitter pens of your middle school "Do you like me like me?" notes. The sparkle is more of a metallic, which creates an awesome effect in coloring pages (especially in cosmic or under-the-sea themed pages). We also like that the ink doesn't smear or bleed through as much as some gel pens can. Price: $18 for set of 12
Shuttle Art 120 Unique Colors Gel Pen Set
If you've ever found yourself looking at two gel pens and wishing you could figure out how to blend them well, this gel pen set is the solution. It is literally just 120 uniquely colored gel pens. The set includes glitter, neon, metallic, pastel pens and more. The best part? You get all 120 for about $20. Price: $19.99 for set of 120
Crayola Mini Twistables Crayons, Set of 24
Crayons were your first love when it comes to coloring tools, so why give up on a good thing? The original gets a major upgrade with Crayola’s twistable design. The smaller tip and more pen-like shape make coloring detailed designs so much easier. No more broken little crayon nubs! And let's be honest, we all know crayon sharpeners are the worst. Price: $6.36 for set of 24
Adjustable Bamboo Lap Desk
There is nothing more luxurious when it comes to coloring than having this 5-star setup accompany you to bed (or the couch, or a chaise lounge on the back deck, etc.). We especially love the drawer and convenient storage for all your tools and incomplete projects. Price: $35.99
Hammermill Color Copy Digital Paper
Looking for frame-quality bright white paper that will make your coloring pop? Look no further. This is our favorite paper for printing out your Posh Coloring Studio design because it works well for any medium, whether you prefer pens, markers, or pencils. Price: $11.76 per ream (500 sheets)
Gamblin Gamsol Odorless Mineral Spirits
Mineral spirits are the secret to smooth, richly colored blending when working with colored pencils or crayons, and this particular brand of mineral spirits is a favorite. Price: $5.96
Art Alternatives 10-Piece Stumps and Tortillions Set
Set up your easel. Twirl your mustache. Adjust your beret. Get out your gamsol. You will feel like the most authentic artist when you're blending colored pencils, crayons or pastels with these simple fine-tipped paper tools. (Just make sure to keep a small piece of sand paper nearby for sharpening!) Price: $4.78 for set of 10
Prismacolor Premier Colorless Blender Pencils
If stumps and tortillions aren't your thing (anyone else weirded out by feeling of rubbing paper on paper) you can opt instead for these colorless, waxy pencils. No, they're not white, so they won't turn you coloring pastel. They're truly colorless and perfect for effortless blending. (Note: When buying a blending pencil, stick with the same brand as your colored pencils for the best result.) Price: $1.50 for package of 2
What are your favorite products to color with? Give us the scoop on your absolute favorite products in the comments
Tags: Tips & Techniques